Aishah Schwartz, Founder and Director of Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA), a Washington, DC-based, internationally comprised organization of aspiring and established Muslim women writers, is calling upon the world-wide Muslim community to let King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, know that a decision such as the one proposed in Makkah, is unacceptable.

"At no other time in history, either before or after the time of the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) have women been relegated to lesser advantageous positions within the masjid.

"The proposed plan is no more acceptable today than it would have been when the teachings of Islam began to be delivered over 1400 years ago," Ms. Schwartz stated.

The small section (left) represented by Muslim women dressed in traditional black abaya's (outer covering) is representative of the space currently alloted women for praying in the inner circle of the mosque at Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The Grand Mosque is one of the few places in Saudi Arabia where, despite the strict interpretation of Islam imposed upon its society, male and female worshippers are allowed to intermingle

At present, women can pray in the immediate vicinity (sahn) of the Ka'ba, a cube-shaped structure inside the mosque.

It is within the most inner sanctum of the masjid that Muslims make tawaf, or a circular walk around the Ka'ba, completed in seven passages. Muslims perform tawaf at various times, i.e., in greeting the masjid upon arrival in Makkah, prior to performing Umrah and as a part of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Just outside the open area where the tawaf is made, Muslims also gather to offer prayers (or duas) before or upon completion of the tawaf, or, for example, at any other time of day when the five daily prayers are offered.

Citing the limited size of the open area in the masjid's center, the all-male committee overseeing the holy site has proposed to place women in a distant section of the masjid, thereby preserving the key space exclusively for men.

Osama al-Bar, head of the Institute for Haj Research, is quoted as saying, "The area is very small and so crowded. So we decided to get women out of the sahn [Kaaba area] to a better place where they can see the Kaaba and have more space.

"Some women thought it wasn't good, but from our point of view it will be better for them ... We can sit with them and explain to them what the decision is."

The decision is not final, he said, and could be reversed.

"Get women out!? Reversal of this decision must be our mission until, by the grace of Almighty Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, it is achieved," declared Ms. Schwartz.

Your voice counts, let it be heard today, insha'Allah! HERE'S HOW!

1. Contact the following offices asking them to convey the message to King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of Saudi Arabia, in polite, but absolute terms, that you are opposed to the proposed "relocation" of women, or eliminate the space alloted for women, to pray in the open area of Makka's Grand Mosque!

• The Islamic Affairs Department at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia Email: iad@resa.org

2. Share with the members of these organizations the link to the booklet, "Women Friendly Mosques and Community Centers: Working Together to Reclaim Our Heritage" - http://www.womeninislam.org/Mosque.pdf - published by the Islamic Social Services Association of Canada and Women In Islam, Inc. of New York. This project, originally published in November of 2005 was also acknowledged as being supported by The Muslim American Society, and can also be shared in local communities, insha'Allah.

EXCERPT: The argument against women sharing the main prayer hall is based on the principle of guarding against corruption (dar’ al-mafasid). The principle states that “whatever leads to haram is haram.” The principle, though not widely accepted by Islamic jurists, has been extensively used to limit Muslim actions that are otherwise lawful under shari’ah. It was invoked by some jurists to reject the use of radio, TV, the press, and other inventions because these have also been used to promote corrupt practices. Indeed many good practices and devices could be declared unlawful, including the use of internet and democratic governments.Preventing women from exercising established rights, or undertake moral duties and social obligations, cannot be justified on the basis of “guarding against corruption.” The prevention of corruption argument was used at an early stage, but was rejected by eminent Muslim scholars. Abdullah bin Umar rejected this same argument against preventing women from going to the masjid at night to guard against potential corruption:Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: 'Do not deprive women of their share of the mosques, when they seek permission from you. (Sahih Muslim Book 4, Number 891)

3. Sign the Petition and send the link across the globe! (http://www.petitiononline.com/gmea4w/petition.html)

-------------------------Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based organization with a Mission to inspire Muslim women to collaborate with one another forthe sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and the common good of the Muslim Ummah, in addition to supporting one another in fulfilling their aspirationsto become established writers. Applying Islamic principles, boundless enthusiasm, experience and resourcefulness to every project embraced,MWA members are dedicated to one another's success.--------------------------

The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "One who helps a fellow Muslim in removing his (or her) difficulty in this world, Allah will remove the formers distress on the Day of Judgment.He who helps to remove the hardship of another, will have his difficulties removed by Allah in this world and in the Hereafter. One who covers the shortcomings of another Muslim, will have hisfaults covered up in this world and the next by Allah. Allah continues to help a servant so long as he goes on helping his own brother (or sister)." (Muslim)

Edited by herjihad

Al-Hamdulillah (From a Married Muslimah) La Howla Wa La Quwata Illa BiLLah - There is no Effort or Power except with Allah's Will.

In reading both points of view, I favor them not only not taking this right away, but expanding the rights of Muslim women in Saudi to the same level as during our Beloved Prophet's time.

When the brothers want to take away a right, they use all kinds of excuses. Men and women were both instructed to make Hajj, and none of these "special" arrangements would be approved of by the most wise and circumspect of humans, our dear Prophet Muhammad.

Salaamu Alaykum

Edited by herjihad

Al-Hamdulillah (From a Married Muslimah) La Howla Wa La Quwata Illa BiLLah - There is no Effort or Power except with Allah's Will.

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot create polls in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum

Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed herein contain positions and viewpoints that are not necessarily those of IslamiCity. This forum is offered to stimulate dialogue and discussion in our continuing mission of being an educational organization.
If there is any issue with any of the postings please email to icforum at islamicity.com or if you are a forum's member you can use the report button.